THAT TOUCHES YOUR HEART

MY TARA

They got married in just 15 days. A plain simple wedding. Abhiraj agreed as Tara was family friend's daughter. They use to meet at family gatherings and parties. They were classmate for 2 years then Abhiraj left the city for higher studies and job. They were good friends before he left. But with time friendship faded in seven years.

Aviraj was in his hometown after seven years.

Old friends, old memories, parents we come back home when a strange city with strange people break our hopes shatter our faith people come back to their roots-

“To run away from the harshness of the everchanging world, to get healed and pampered. There is something amazing about the winds and soil of your homeland it heals you no matter what you have gone through. The winds of your homeland your city will always be kind to you, recognise you, love you, pamper you no matter how many years you took to return.”

She is a dentist, beautiful, good nature, you know each other for such a long time, what else you look in a wife, Abhiraj's father asked.

He refused many times but father was not ready to hear a word.

At least meet her once, said Mother.

What else option I'm left with and nodded his head.

An open roof restaurant. Sun was about to set and the sky was filled with beautiful colours. The rays of the Sun were slowly waving goodbye to Aviraj as he was waiting for 'Tara'.

After 7 years they were meeting.

As it was getting darker. The colourful lighting of the city was illuminating the surrounding of the restaurant and night sky was filled with beautiful shiny stars.

A girl came rushing to his table holding a white coat in her hands.

I know, I'm late. Sorry.

Aviraj pulled the chair for her.

It's fine!! I was enjoying sitting here.

How are you doing, Avi? She asked wearing the most gorgeous smile.

We lost touch these years. You changed your number, I guess! I tried reaching you.

Your friend Diwakar, he is my friend too. He talks about you.

Diwakar is your friend?

Yes. But he never talked about you.

Yes. I asked him not to tell you.

Why??

I wanted to know about you, so I traced my way, you weren't interested in talking to me so you never tried contacting me. What's the point then?

It is not like that Tara. We were never in much contact, said Aviraj.

Yeah! we were not, Tara answered.

This time her voice lacked the cheer. He noticed but he had nothing else to say.

A minute of silence floated between them.

He asked, "Do you want to marry me?"

Tara replied, "Yes!"

Aviraj was stunned with her response.

Straight clear yes.

Okay! before you decide anything you should know something.

The reason I left my job city and came back was a girl 'Meera'. I was and I'm madly in love with her.

We were so much in love. One day she left me no argument, no fight nothing. She said, "I don't love you enough to marry you and left.” I did not accept her denial. I was waiting for her to come back. I tried to survive that city without her for months. But without her, it seemed like I was living in a hell. Thoughts of Meera used to torture me. I have several questions in my mind, I want to ask. The day I will meet her, I will ask everything I'm holding for months.